Leadership

Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sr. Mary Jeanne Oesterle attended Catholic school from first grade through university. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Gwynedd Mercy College, a master’s degree in education administration from Bloomsburg University, and received administrative certification from Fairfield University. Sr. Mary Jeane began her career in education in 1967 as a teacher of both elementary and students with special needs. For over thirty years she has served as an education administrator in a number of fine Mercy schools. Her passion is working with and ministering to young people in their formative years.

Sr. Mary Jeanne joined Walsingham Academy in 1990; she served fourteen years as Principal of the Lower School before her appointment as President of the Academy in 2004.

Angie Baker

A longtime and highly respected member of the Upper School faculty, Mrs. Baker joined the Walsingham community as a science teacher for the 2008-09 school year.  She brings over twenty years of teaching experience and more than a decade of administrative experience to the Upper School.

Mrs. Baker believes that to be a Mercy educator is to exemplify for the students the Mercy values both inside and out of the classroom. She sees all students as being gifts to which she is accountable for their care, education, and growth.

Mrs. Baker and her husband, Scott, have two Trojans of their very own--Emma Grace (Class of 2022) and Porter (Class of 2028).

Heather Seltzer

Walsingham has been an important part of Mrs. Seltzer’s life for many years. She has spent 12 of her 18 years in education at the Academy in various roles, beginning as a fifth-grade teacher, later teaching sixth-grade mathematics, and most recently serving as Walsingham’s Curriculum Coordinator before transitioning to Lower School Director.

Mrs. Seltzer believes it is a privilege to work alongside dedicated teachers and to partner with families in supporting the growth of each child academically, socially, and spiritually. Her focus remains on maintaining Walsingham’s strong academic program, nurturing environment, and the Mercy values that are at the heart of our school. Mrs. Seltzer feels called to education because of the opportunity it provides to shape not only how children learn, but who they become. Being able to connect academics with faith makes her work especially meaningful.

Mrs. Seltzer and her husband, Jeremy, have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys camping with her family and is a big sports fan.

Walsingham Academy was founded in 1947 by the Sisters of Mercy of Philadelphia. A Board of Trustees was established in August 2002.